Indulge in the comforting flavors of Italy right in your home kitchen with this Cheesy Cannelloni. This scrumptious dish features tender pasta tubes stuffed with a rich and creamy filling, generously smothered in marinara sauce and topped with bubbly melted mozzarella. It's an impressive dish that's surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion.
While most ingredients for this recipe are likely staples in your kitchen, such as mozzarella, ricotta, parmesan, eggs, and marinara sauce, one that you might need to seek out is dried cannelloni. These large, tube-shaped pasta can usually be found in the pasta aisle of your local supermarket, but if unavailable, you can substitute with lasagna sheets rolled into tubes.
Ingredients for Cheesy Cannelloni
Dried cannelloni: This is the main ingredient of the dish, a type of pasta shaped like a large tube. You'll fill these with the creamy cheese and spinach mixture.
Marinara sauce: This tomato-based sauce gives the cannelloni its rich, Italian flavor.
Mozzarella cheese: This cheese is known for its stretchy, melty quality, which makes it perfect for the topping.
Ricotta cheese: A creamy cheese that forms the base of the cannelloni filling, giving a rich and tangy taste.
Spinach: Adds a nutritious, vegetable component to the filling, balancing out the creaminess of the cheeses.
Eggs: They bind together the filling ingredients, ensuring they stay inside the cannelloni tubes.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, salty flavor to the filling, complementing the milder ricotta and mozzarella.
Italian seasoning: This blend of dried herbs adds a burst of flavor to the filling, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
One reader, Dru Meyer says:
This cheesy cannelloni recipe is a game-changer! The filling is so rich and flavorful, and the combination of mozzarella and parmesan on top is just heavenly. It's a hit with my family every time I make it. So delicious and satisfying!
Techniques Required for Making Cheesy Cannelloni
How to prepare the filling: Mix the ricotta cheese, spinach, eggs, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning in a bowl until well combined.
How to fill the cannelloni: Use a piping bag or a large zippered bag to fill each cannelloni with the prepared filling mixture.
How to bake the cannelloni: Cover the filled cannelloni with marinara sauce and bake them in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 40 minutes. Then, add the mozzarella cheese on top and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
How to serve: Allow the cheesy cannelloni to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
How To Make Cheese Cannelloni
Taste the wonders of Italian cuisine with this delicious Cheese Cannelloni Recipe! Enjoy a delicious stuffed pasta topped with rich marinara sauce.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 12driedcannellonioven-ready
- 2 ½cupsmarinara saucedivided
- 1cupMozzarella cheeseshredded
- ⅓cupwater
For Filling:
- 2cupsricotta cheese
- 1packagespinachdefrosted, chopped, and squeezed dry
- 2eggs
- ½cupmozzarella cheeseshredded
- ¼cupparmesan cheeseshredded
- 1tspItalian Seasoning
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
-
Mix all the filling ingredients in a small bowl. After mixing, place the filling into a piping bag or a large zippered bag and set aside.
-
Add the water to the marinara sauce, then place ½ cup of the sauce onto the bottom of a 9×13-inch pan.
-
If using the zipper bag, snip off the corner and fill each cannelloni. Afterwards, place the filled cannelloni in the pan.
-
When done filling cannelloni, top with remaining marinara sauce.
-
Cover and bake for 40 minutes. After, add the cheeses and bake covered for an additional 15 to 20 minutes.
Recipe Notes
You may use fresh lasagna sheets in case cannelloni tubes aren’t available. Cut the sheets, then roll the filling into them. Reduce the cook time to 40 minutes covered, adding cheese for the last 10 minutes.
Nutrition
- Calories: 1757.73kcal
- Fat: 118.09g
- Saturated Fat: 72.38g
- Trans Fat: 0.02g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 33.75g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.81g
- Carbohydrates: 46.39g
- Fiber: 5.84g
- Sugar: 19.24g
- Protein: 126.13g
- Cholesterol: 404.70mg
- Sodium: 5225.36mg
- Calcium: 3575.98mg
- Potassium: 1413.61mg
- Iron: 5.09mg
- Vitamin A: 1121.78µg
- Vitamin C: 11.97mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Perfect Cheesy Cannelloni
When filling the cannelloni, ensure you don't overstuff them as this can cause them to burst during baking. A good tip is to fill them just until they are plump, but not bursting. This will ensure that the filling stays inside the pasta during the baking process. Also, when adding the marinara sauce on top, make sure to cover all the cannelloni evenly. This will prevent them from drying out and will also add extra flavor.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Recipe
Prep ahead: Prepare the filling and marinara sauce a day in advance to save time on the day of cooking.
Use a food processor: Use a food processor to quickly mix the filling ingredients and save time on preparation.
Batch cooking: Consider making a double batch of cannelloni and freeze the extra for a quick and easy meal in the future.
Pre-cook the pasta: Pre-cook the cannelloni pasta before filling to save time in the oven and ensure it cooks evenly.
Organize ingredients: Organize all the ingredients and utensils before starting to cook to streamline the process and save time.
Efficient assembly: Use a piping bag or a zippered bag to efficiently fill the cannelloni and save time on assembly.
Substitute Ingredients For Cheese Cannelloni Recipe
cannelloni - Substitute with jumbo pasta shells: Jumbo pasta shells can be used as a substitute for cannelloni, as they have a similar shape and can be filled and baked in the same way.
marinara sauce - Substitute with tomato sauce with Italian seasoning: Tomato sauce with Italian seasoning can be used as a substitute for marinara sauce, providing a similar flavor profile with added Italian herbs.
mozzarella cheese - Substitute with provolone cheese: Provolone cheese can be used as a substitute for mozzarella cheese, as it has a similar mild flavor and melts well when baked.
ricotta cheese - Substitute with cottage cheese: Cottage cheese can be used as a substitute for ricotta cheese in the filling, providing a similar creamy texture and mild flavor.
spinach - Substitute with kale: Kale can be used as a substitute for spinach in the filling, adding a slightly different flavor and texture while still providing a nutritious green component.
eggs - Substitute with flaxseed meal: Flaxseed meal can be used as a substitute for eggs in the filling, acting as a binding agent and providing a source of healthy fats.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with pecorino Romano cheese: Pecorino Romano cheese can be used as a substitute for parmesan cheese, offering a similar salty and nutty flavor to enhance the filling.
Italian seasoning - Substitute with dried oregano and basil: A combination of dried oregano and basil can be used as a substitute for Italian seasoning, providing the same aromatic and herbaceous flavors.
Best Way to Present This Cheesy Pasta Dish
Elevate the plating: When presenting the cheesy cannelloni, focus on creating a visually appealing plate. Ensure that the cannelloni are neatly arranged and garnish with fresh herbs or microgreens to add a pop of color and freshness.
Incorporate texture: Add a textural element to the dish by sprinkling some toasted breadcrumbs or crushed nuts on top of the cannelloni. This will provide a delightful crunch and elevate the overall dining experience.
Play with height: Consider stacking the cannelloni on the plate to create a sense of height and dimension. This not only adds an element of sophistication but also makes the dish visually striking.
Use high-quality serving ware: Opt for elegant, high-quality serving dishes or plates to showcase the cheesy cannelloni. The right serving ware can enhance the presentation and leave a lasting impression on the judges.
Attention to detail: Pay attention to the finer details such as wiping the edges of the plate to ensure a clean presentation. Every detail matters when aiming to impress culinary professionals with 3 Michelin stars.
Essential Tools for Making Cannelloni
- Dutch oven: A heavy-duty pot with a tight-fitting lid, perfect for slow-cooking and braising.
- Chef's knife: A versatile, all-purpose knife for chopping, slicing, and dicing.
- Cutting board: A sturdy surface for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients and mixing batters or dough.
- Whisk: Used for blending, whipping, and beating ingredients together.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurately measuring ingredients in cooking and baking.
- Baking dish: A pan used for baking casseroles, desserts, and other dishes in the oven.
- Saucepan: A medium-sized cooking pot with a handle and a lid, ideal for making sauces and heating liquids.
- Skillet: A frying pan with a flat bottom and sloping sides, great for sautéing, frying, and searing.
- Grater: Used for grating cheese, vegetables, and other ingredients.
- Rolling pin: Essential for rolling out dough for pastries, pies, and other baked goods.
- Tongs: A versatile kitchen tool for flipping, turning, and serving food.
- Oven: An essential appliance for baking, roasting, and broiling dishes.
- Blender: Used for blending, pureeing, and mixing ingredients to create smooth sauces, soups, and beverages.
- Pastry brush: A kitchen tool with bristles, used for applying egg wash, butter, or glazes to pastries and other dishes.
- Spatula: A flat, flexible utensil used for flipping, lifting, and spreading ingredients.
- Colander: A bowl-shaped kitchen tool with small holes, used for draining liquids from food items such as pasta or vegetables.
- Peeler: A tool for removing the outer skin or peels from fruits and vegetables.
- Mixer: An electric appliance used for mixing, beating, and whipping ingredients in baking and cooking.
- Grill: An outdoor or indoor cooking appliance used for grilling meats, vegetables, and other foods.
- Sieve: A fine-meshed kitchen tool used for straining liquids, sifting dry ingredients, and removing lumps from sauces or soups.
Storing and Freezing Cheesy Cannelloni
- Allow the cheesy cannelloni to cool completely before storing or freezing.
- For storing in the refrigerator, place the cooled cannelloni in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- To freeze the cannelloni, follow these steps:
- Place the cooled cannelloni in a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
- Label the container or wrapped cannelloni with the date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
- When ready to reheat the frozen cannelloni, you can either:
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 20-30 minutes.
- Bake directly from frozen in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven, increasing the baking time to 45-60 minutes or until heated through and bubbly.
- If you have leftover ricotta or spinach filling, you can store it separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month. Use the leftover filling for stuffing other pasta, as a dip, or in omelets or quiches.
How To Reheat Cannelloni Leftovers
To reheat leftover cheesy cannelloni, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cannelloni in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the cheese to melt and become golden brown.
Another option is to reheat the cannelloni in the microwave. Place a single serving on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the pasta to become rubbery.
For a crispy top, you can also reheat the cannelloni under the broiler. Place the cannelloni in an oven-safe dish and broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
If you have leftover marinara sauce, you can add a spoonful or two over the cannelloni before reheating to prevent them from drying out. This will also help to enhance the flavor of the dish.
If you find that the cannelloni has dried out a bit in the refrigerator, you can add a splash of water or chicken broth to the dish before reheating. This will help to moisten the pasta and keep it from becoming too dry.
Is Making Cheesy Cannelloni at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this cheesy cannelloni recipe largely depends on the availability and cost of ingredients. Ricotta cheese and spinach can be affordable, while mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese may be pricier. The recipe's overall verdict is a solid 8, considering the delightful flavors and nutritional value. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $20-$25, making it a reasonable option for a satisfying and wholesome meal.
Is Cheesy Cannelloni Healthy or Unhealthy?
The cheesy cannelloni recipe, while undeniably delicious, leans more towards the unhealthy side due to its high content of cheese and lack of nutrient-dense ingredients. The recipe heavily relies on ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses, which are high in saturated fats and calories. Additionally, the marinara sauce may contain added sugars and sodium, further contributing to the dish's unhealthy aspects. However, the inclusion of spinach does provide some essential vitamins and minerals, slightly balancing out the overall nutritional profile.
To make this recipe healthier without compromising on taste, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of cheese used in the filling and opt for low-fat or part-skim varieties to decrease the saturated fat content
- Incorporate more vegetables into the filling, such as sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers, to increase the fiber and nutrient content
- Prepare a homemade marinara sauce using fresh tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, allowing you to control the amount of added sugars and sodium
- Use whole-grain or spinach-based cannelloni pasta to boost the fiber content and provide additional nutrients
- Serve the cannelloni with a side salad or roasted vegetables to create a more balanced and wholesome meal
Editor's Thoughts on Cheesy Cannelloni
This cheesy cannelloni recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The creamy ricotta and spinach filling paired with the tangy marinara sauce create a perfect balance. The addition of mozzarella and parmesan cheese adds a rich and gooey layer of indulgence. The baking process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a comforting and satisfying dish. It's a classic Italian comfort food that is sure to impress your guests and leave them craving for more. Buon appetito!
Why trust this Cheese Cannelloni Recipe:
This cheesy cannelloni recipe is a trusted classic, crafted with care by a seasoned chef. The combination of creamy ricotta cheese, flavorful spinach, and aromatic Italian seasoning creates a delightful filling. The use of high-quality mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese ensures a rich and indulgent flavor. The recipe's step-by-step instructions and precise measurements guarantee a successful outcome. With a comforting marinara sauce base, this dish promises a satisfying and delicious experience for all pasta lovers.
Was this page helpful?
Have your own special recipe to share? Submit Your Recipe Today!
Related Recipes
